CRICKET TEST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21845, 6 July 1934, Page 11

CRICKET TEST

TO-DAY'S MATCH AUSTRALIA'S PROSPECTS GOOD OMENS DISCERNED ILLNESS OF BROMLEY APPENDICITIS ATTACK By Telegraph—Pre;|i "Association —Copyright (Received Julv 5, 10.5 p.m.) LONDON. July 4 Unless the weather and the toss come potently to the aid of England, the chance for Australia in the third cricket test match, to be begun at Manchester on Friday, is good. Australia has the advantage of choosing an eleven without much question of physical fitness, whereas two out of England's three fast bowlers are in doubtful health.

In the possession of Verity England has an outstanding asset if tho wicket should be wet, but Australia in normal weather conditions looks the more powerful batting side, equally good in bowling and superior in fielding. There are good omens for Australia in the improved form of Woodfull and in Bradman's apparent recovery of form.

An X-ray examination reveals that Bromley is suffering from appendicitis. It has not been decided whether an early operation will be necessary, but it means that he is not likely to play again on the present tour. James Langridge, of Sussex, has withdrawn from the test candidates owing to an injured ankle. Another spin bowler is likely to be invited.

Neither England nor Australia should feel unduly confident when they meet for the third cricket test match at the Old Trafford ground, Manchester, today. Each side has registered a win to date, but the conditions played such an important part on each occasion that little indication has yet been given as to the relative strengths of the elevens.

One thing is certain and that is both teams have bowlers capable of forcing an issue when the wicket is giving them assistance. As the Old Trafford ground is notorious for wet weather during the progress of test matches, conditions may again piny a very important part.

The memory of the debacle at Lord's will serve to counter a great deal of the confidence Australia was justified in feeling after its convincing victory in the first test, and it is certain that tr?fl Australians will be very chary of batting under wet conditions again. Task of the English Selectors The English selectors are still in a constructive mood. It would appear they realise that the fortune of the toss played a greater part in England's last victory than any particular merit of the side they chose. In batting and bowling, England is attempting to strengthen its team, and the latest selection appears to be popular. After the fine performance of Earnes in the first test, surprise will be felt at his omission on this occasion. G. 0. Allen, of Middlesex, has been showing splendid form in county cricket this season, however, and on a fast wicket should do well. The lesson taught by Verity has evidently made a deep impression on the minds of the English selectors, who have made provision for strengthening tho slow bowling. The inability of Macaulay and Langridgo to play was a severe blow, as they are, excepting Verity, the two outstanding slow bowlers of their type. However, it seems certain that another slow bowler will bo included in the English side to assist Verity. i Doughty English Performers , Hammond, judging by his latest displays in county matches, is right back to form and he should prove a dominating influence in the coming match. Of tho three new players chosen, ■Clark, of Northamptonshire, Keeton, Nottingham, and Hopwood, Lancashire, tho two last-named appear to have the best chances of being included when the final eleven is chosen. Keeton should provq, a great acquisition in batting and the all-round capabilities of Hopwood point to his inclusion. Hopwood, who is a medium-paced, left-hand bowler and a steady batsman, headed his county's bowline averages last season and was also second in tho batting.

Averages of Players Following nre the test match averages of the players to date:— ENGLAND BATTING Ins. N.O. Walters .. 3 — Ames . . 3 — Leyland . . 3 — SutclifTe . . 3 — Wyntt . . 1 — TTendren . . 3 — Geary . . 3 — Verity . . 3 1 Hammond . . 3 — Pntaiidi . . 2 — Mitchell . . 2 1 Fames ..3 — Bowes . . 1 1 ■"Denotes Not H.S. 82 120 109 r,2 33 79 53 29 12 4 I 10* Out. R. A v. 145 48.33 139 4G.33 133 41.33 10G 35.33 33 33.00 05 31.GG 02 20.GG 29 14.50 43 14.33 22 11.00 5 5.00 2 .GG 10 BOWLTN( Verity Fames Bowes Hammond O op ry Mitchell Leyland K. . . 217 . . 228 .. 112 . . OS . . 203 . . ins . . 15 . w. 17 10 i 4 L Av. 12.7G 22.80 28.00 49.00 50.75 108.00 AUSTRALIA BATTING McCa.be Chipperfield Brown Prjnsford Bradma ji Wood full Oldfield Grimmett O'Reilly Darlinn Bromley Wall Ins. N.O. . 4 — . 4 1 . 4 — o ! 4 — .4 — . 4 1 . 4 1 . 4 1 . 4 — 2 3 1 H.S. 8-8 99 105 53 3G 43 53 39 18 11 i 1 R. Av. 20G 51.50 154 51.33 202 50.50 58 29.00 103 25.75 03 23.25 53 17.GG 51 17.00 37 12.33 28 7.00 5 2.50 1 .50 BOWLING •L O'neilly . . 199 Grimmett . . 222 Chipperfield . 115 Wall . . 217 McCabs , , 52 Darling ,. 19 V'. 12 9 3 *5 1 Av. 1G.58 24.00 38.33 43.40 52.00